Every time I go through these airport whole body millimeter wave scanners, I get pulled over for a body search. No longer does a quick check of my pockets allow me through the metal detecting arch unimpeded. Surely the staff can see that it is a stoma pouch on the screen and not have to embarrass us with a body search and explanation. Oh well, another hurdle to surmount, I suppose.
jambly405
Jun 29, 2025 7:19 am
w30bob
Jun 29, 2025 7:42 am
You're looking at it the wrong way. Sure, they can see you have an ostomy bag on the screen, but what's to stop anyone from filling an ostomy bag with explosives and taping it to their abdomen if they thought they wouldn't be checked? At least they don't ask you to dump out the contents of your bag for inspection!
;O)
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Posted by: Nini4
Well, I hit the two year mark. I went back and read my posts from when I first found this site. I was very fortunate in that I stumbled upon it only 4 weeks post op. I have said many times that this community really saved me. The first 2 weeks after my surgery I shut down completely. It wasn't until about the 3rd week that my son came in to my room, flicked on the light and told me I was going to have to get back to living because I was scaring him. I had fallen into such a depression. He ticked me off, but it also made me stop and think- what was I going to do? Feel sorry for myself and sulk, or be grateful I was alive.
I've re-read my journals from that time and it was after my son kicked my butt, so to speak, I took an honest inventory and had to dig deeper than I've ever had to. I mean, I had survived a pretty nasty divorce, after a pretty crappy marriage and that was tough. But this was different. I felt like I was now a handicapped person who would be limited in their life and be looked at as a freak. My mental state was precarious, at best.
But then I found this site. I just lurked a bit before posting. I read so many of the other stories and I started to see just how full my life can be, I was not handicapped, and certainly not a freak! The stories of survival, the sense of humor, the support and compassion was inspiring. It was then I made myself get out of the dark, and get my sh*t together.
Not all rainbows and sunshine at first, hardly! But with grace from myself - to myself, and the kindness and willingness of the folks here to be supportive, non judgemental and openly share intimate details about their life circumstances, l not only survived but thrived.
I think of all the years I had suffered with such extreme pain, barely functioning, and the many hospital stays and how that is all behind me now. (All fingers, toes, and legs crossed that I never have to go near a hospital for myself ever again. I think I'd rather have a fork stuck in my eye. I loathe every about them.)
So, to everyone who has been a part of this journey with me, to say thank you is not enough. I'm forever grateful to know you all. My Angels, each one of you.
And as the Grateful Dead famously said,
"what a long strange trip it's been!"
Im so happy I'm tripping with you all.
Ben38
Jun 29, 2025 9:42 am
Needs must there doing their job and very well spotting everything and checking to make sure everyone's safe. Top job from security, well done. UK airport security staff are supposed to be trained to be stoma aware now and take us to a private room. You can wear a sunflower lanyard; I wouldn't wear one myself.
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IGGIE
Jun 29, 2025 1:30 pm
I wish they would ask to dump it out; I would ask them to cup their hands.
IGGIE
My Ostomy Journey: Kimberly | Hollister
Jayne
Jun 29, 2025 2:37 pm
From my point of view, Iggie, I do not wish to be pre-defined by wearing any outward sign of my personal medical necessities - I take these within my stride and neither major upon them nor dismiss their necessity..... Also, I appreciate security is an involved business these days - per Bob's comment above.
Naturally, however, I would never presume to speak for another - this is only my personal take.
Wishing you a lovely day, Igggie
Best regards
Jayne
IGGIE
Jun 29, 2025 3:18 pm
Then get rid of your driver's license that lets people know you can drive, and have you gotten rid of your senior's card? And you would never put a disabled sticker on your car, would you?
IGGIE
NRG1022
Jun 29, 2025 7:18 pm
I've had mine for 15 years. The first time I was pulled aside, I was mortified! The full pat-down, the metal detector, the touch of the area, then they swab… everyone was watching… so the next time I told the people, and they did it privately and with a female. Now I don't care… whatever… it's my life now.
TerryLT
Jun 29, 2025 8:05 pm
Good point, Bob. If there are any would-be drug or explosive smugglers reading this thread, and they didn't already have the idea of using an ostomy appliance to hide their stuff, they do now.
Terry
Jayne
Jun 30, 2025 11:18 pm
A lanyard would be on my person - and as I am able to speak for myself, I feel I would not wish to wear that personal 'display' - rather, I would voice appropriately when required.
However, your comparative comment concerning a legal driving license - rather like a passport - that is an official ID doc for far-reaching purposes.
As regards displaying a disabled 'explanation' - upon a vehicle not occupied at the time of parking - that is an entirely different matter - cars cannot speak, and such notification on vehicles serves to inform during the vehicle driver's absence.
I have respect for those who do feel the wearing of a lanyard is right for them - as I said, I could only speak for myself and not on behalf of another ..... But I hope in my explanation this helps to clarify why I personally would not wear something on my person - whilst I am in the position of speaking up on my own behalf.
Perhaps a 'flash card' with an updatable 'current' verification system would aid a speedy passage through customs/security?
Doubtless such questions are regularly raised within the security of airports and other installations.
Best wishes
Jayne
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Marjatta
Jul 01, 2025 12:32 pm
I guess those voluntary sunflower accessories could be counterfeited as well - heck, I bet even if we were microchipped, someone would find a way to duplicate that eventually.
I haven't been patted down yet, but I can understand how mortifying and embarrassing that would be, especially by a security agent who didn't know anything about ostomies. It's a risk I have to take when I fly. I'm not sure if there's any surefire way around it.
M
xo
SharkFan
Jul 06, 2025 5:20 am
Jambly,
My line is "My ostomy bag, right? Do you need me to rub it so you can swab my hands?" "Yes, please," and I'm on my way. As long as I'm not blocking the people behind me, no one really notices. If they do, I'll probably never see them again. Take a deep breath, get through security, and enjoy the rest of your trip.
See you at TSA one day,
SharkFan